Fabinho brutally dismisses Arsenal from Premier League title picture with Liverpool verdict

Former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho believes the Reds can fight with Manchester City for the Premier League title this season.

The Brazilian is one of a number of former Anfield stars now plying their trade in the Middle East, having made the move last year. He joined the likes of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson, although the former Liverpool captain lasted just half a season before returning to Europe with Ajax.

Fabinho though has remained at Al-Ittihad, but still keeps an eye on the Reds from afar. A lot has changed since the 31-year-old departed, with Jurgen Klopp having stepped down as manager.

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Since then though, Arne Slot has hit the ground running, leading Liverpool to 11 wins out of 13 in all competitions, with the Reds sitting just a point behind City in the Premier League after Sunday’s hard-fought draw with Arsenal.

Fabinho has backed his former side to challenge Pep Guardiola’s team once again for the league title, although it was noticeable that he left Arsenal out of his prediction. The Gunners have been tipped by many to be City’s closest challengers this season, but Fabinho sees things differently.

“For me it’s normal because Liverpool have one of the best teams in the Premier League and in Europe, so it’s not a surprise for me how well they’re doing at the moment, I think they have everything to fight with Manchester City,” he said (via FourFourTwo).

“Unfortunately Man City are still the team to beat, but Arne Slot is doing a very good job, I really hope Liverpool will keep this run until the end of the season and hopefully bring some important trophies this season.”

Liverpool.com says: Fabinho may well have just forgotten to mention Arsenal in his prediction, although at this moment in time, Liverpool does look as though it will be right in the equation for the Premier League title.

There’s still a long, long way to go in the season, so whether they will be City’s closest challengers – or even beat them to the title – remains to be seen. A point at Arsenal at the weekend though is certainly not a result to be sniffed at, and it does suggest that the Reds are in a much better position than people gave them credit for before the start of the season.